KOROGI (Kashmir English): Pakistan women secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Asian Games women’s cricket competition after defeating Thailand by three wickets in a rain-affected quarter-final on Thursday.
Persistent rain delayed the start, and the match at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture was reduced to 11 overs per side.
Batting first, Thailand posted 91 for four in their allotted 11 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scored with 49 off 38 balls, hitting seven fours.
Phannita Maya added 15 off 16 balls, while captain Naruemol Chaiwai smashed 10 off just three balls, including a four and a six.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana led the bowling attack, taking two wickets for 22 runs in three overs, while Nashra Sandhu claimed one wicket.
Chasing 92, Pakistan reached the target in 10.4 overs after losing seven wickets. Shawaal Zulfiqar top-scored with 25 off 14 balls, including three fours and a six.
Fatima Sana scored a crucial 21 off 13 balls with three fours and a six, while Gull Feroza added 16 off 13 balls.
Tuba Hassan made a valuable 13 off seven deliveries, hitting a four and a six. Umm-e-Hani then scored the winning run as Pakistan completed the chase with two balls to spare.
Pakistan will face the winner of the quarter-final between Sri Lanka and Malaysia in the semi-final on September 20. The two semi-finals are scheduled for the same day, with the gold and bronze medal matches to be played on September 22.
